A significant police operation in Manchester has led to the arrest of drug dealer Martin Joyce, following footage that captured his dramatic attempt to flee law enforcement officers while wearing an untied dressing gown. The incident occurred on Kenchester Avenue in eastern Manchester and was part of Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) broader initiative, Operation Vulcan, aimed at dismantling drug networks operating in Piccadilly Gardens, a central and affluent area of the city.

The video recorded by GMP shows Joyce hastily exiting a property and moving through a series of back gardens and wooded areas. Despite his efforts to evade capture—including tumbling over multiple fences while only partially clothed in the dressing gown—he was eventually tackled and apprehended by police officers.

Joyce, who was subsequently jailed for seven years, was identified as the ringleader at the head of a substantial drug trafficking network. The investigation revealed that the group supplied heroin and crack cocaine, with typical prices ranging from £20 to £30 per dose. Experts estimate the network sold approximately £20,000 worth of drugs. Moreover, the operation discovered the exploitation of teenagers within the network, who were coerced into selling drugs on behalf of the organisation. After identifying these young individuals, police provided them with diversionary and educational programmes to help protect them from further involvement in criminal activity.

The crackdown reached a critical point on 14 May last year, when approximately 300 officers executed 23 warrants across numerous locations tied to the network. During these raids, law enforcement seized significant quantities of crack cocaine concealed within household objects, as well as cash, debt ledgers, drug paraphernalia including digital scales, and multiple mobile phones. Collectively, those involved received a total of 85 years in prison.

Beyond the custodial sentences, many members of the ring were subjected to Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), banning their presence in central Manchester, specifically the Piccadilly Gardens area. Any breach of these orders will result in immediate arrest to prevent further drug-related activities.

Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly, who led the undercover investigation, told the Daily Mail, “From day one, we said we would do whatever it takes to drive out crime from Piccadilly Gardens, and this operation shows just that.” He described the investigation as “well-resourced and high stakes,” emphasising its importance in tackling the drug trade that had caused problems for local businesses, residents, and visitors. Donnelly expressed confidence that the convictions secured would disrupt the supply chain significantly.

He also highlighted the ongoing police commitment to the area, noting an increase in regular patrols intended to maintain a visible law enforcement presence. This heightened activity is aimed at deterring any criminals from attempting to re-establish their activities in the Piccadilly Gardens locale.

The operation marks a substantial effort by Greater Manchester Police to combat drug dealing and associated criminal activity in one of the city’s key public spaces, demonstrating a comprehensive approach involving large-scale raids, legal penalties, and community safeguarding measures.

Source: Noah Wire Services